Recently a new initiative of VECCI (the Employer organisation) and the Committee for Melbourne was launched, called Welcome to Victoria.
The initiative is designed to provide assistance and support to employers of international students in the state, with the expressed aim of strengthening Victoria’s reputation as a place to live, visit, study and do business.
Employers are invited to gain accreditation through adherence to seven principles:
- Intercultural Sensitivity
- Social Customs
- Cross Cultural Communication
- Local Area Knowledge
- Transport Knowledge
- Housing and Neighbourhood Knowledge
- Student Flexibility and Commitments
Businesses that meet the criteria are issued with a Certificate of Commitment, which they are able to use in promoting themselves as a preferred employers.
It is hoped that many businesses will sign up and become part of the program as it will certainly bring some benefits to international students who are looking for part-time and casual work while they are studying. In time, it might be that the “Welcome to Victoria” logo will go on job ads so that students can identify employers who adhere to the principles.
Here is a link to the website for more information
http://www.vecci.org.au/welcometovictoria/Pages/Welcome_to_Victoria.aspx